Waynesboro Council looks at student smokers

Some Waynesboro Area Senior High School students can be seen smoking cigarettes outside of school property each morning, even though most of them aren't old enough to legally purchase nicotine products.

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By Denise Bonura/The Record Herald

Waynesboro Record Herald - Waynesboro, PA

By Denise Bonura/The Record Herald

Posted Dec. 20, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Updated Dec 20, 2012 at 11:51 AM

By Denise Bonura/The Record Herald

Posted Dec. 20, 2012 at 11:30 AM
Updated Dec 20, 2012 at 11:51 AM

WAYNESBORO — Some Waynesboro Area Senior High School students can be seen smoking cigarettes outside of school property each morning, even though most of them aren't old enough to legally purchase nicotine products.

Councilman Wayne Driscoll challenged Police Chief James Sourbier IV to find a "creative resolution to this vexing dilemma," Sourbier said at Wednesday's borough council meeting.

Sourbier said he would look into the situation. However, he asked council to exercise its right as local government to create a provision that prohibits students from congregating within 100 feet of school property.

He also suggested banning parking along Virginia and Enterprise avenues during school hours to help curb the habit.

"I appreciate the concern, and I want to be doing something to resolve it, but I will not exercise extra legal force to do so," Sourbier said, adding he needs some teeth from council to help eliminate the problem.

The students currently are not in violation of any borough ordinance — or state law — that the police department can enforce. While people younger than 18 cannot buy nicotine products the law does not prohibit them from smoking.

Driscoll said the groups of students smoking make the habit look glamorous to younger children who ride past on their way to school.

Councilman Craig Newcomer asked if the board or the borough solicitor could see what other municipalities like Chambersburg to do.

"We're entering into a new year," Driscoll said. "Maybe this is the year we can change one not-so-nice Waynesboro tradition."

No action was taken, and the matter will be discussed at a later meeting.